Opening Doors to Entertainment Careers: Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez Pathways Fair
"I enjoyed hearing directly from professionals and learning about different career paths and real industry experiences. It was inspiring to see how passion, networking, and consistency can open opportunities. I also appreciated how interactive and welcoming the event felt."
The Miguel Contreras Foundation proudly partnered with the Office of Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, Los Angeles City College, and The LA Local to launch the inaugural Pathways to Entertainment Fair, bringing together young people, industry leaders, labor unions, employers, and community organizations for a day of career exploration, inspiration, and connection.
The event introduced over 150 participants to the many exciting career opportunities that exist throughout Los Angeles' entertainment industry, both on and off the screen, and highlighted the countless pathways available through union careers, internships, education, and workforce development. 94% of participants said the event helped them with their career planning and 92% said they were planning to follow-up with one of the partners they met at the the fair.
Designed for youth ages 16–24, the fair showcased careers in film and television production, journalism, live events, music, media, technology, and the skilled union trades that keep the entertainment industry running. Throughout the day, participants connected directly with professionals, explored resource booths, asked questions, and learned about internships, training programs, and employment opportunities. For many attendees, it was their first opportunity to see just how many careers exist behind the scenes of one of Los Angeles' most iconic industries.
As a lead partner, MCF coordinated participant registration, tracking, and impact evaluation while helping create a welcoming environment where young people could build connections and envision new possibilities for their futures. Events like Pathways to Entertainment are about more than career exploration - they're about expanding access, breaking down barriers, and helping participants discover careers they may never have imagined for themselves.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners, volunteers, exhibitors, and everyone who made this first-ever event such a success.
Together, we're opening doors to opportunity and ensuring the next generation of Angelenos has the knowledge, connections, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers in the entertainment industry.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
To learn more about the Miguel Contreras Foundation, visit www.miguelcontrerasfoundation.org.
Miguel Contreras Foundation
2130 W. James M. Wood Blvd. • Los Angeles, CA 90006 📞 (213) 805-6822 | 🌐
miguelcontrerasfoundation.org 📧 info@miguelcontrerasfoundation.org
Empowering the next generation of leaders through equity, opportunity, and union careers.